Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews

Hudson, Oct. 2nd, 1864

Dear Brother Jimmie,

We received two letters from you yesterday, one written last Sabbath, the other on Tuesday to which I'll hasten to reply. I should have written again last week, but in your letter which was received the first of last week you said that you might possibly leave for Washington, therefore I thought I would wait until I heard again as I did not know what Regiment you were to be in, as that is a settled thing I will try and write oftener.

You must give me credit for one long letter if you received it as you should have done the last of last week. I have felt very sorry that you could not get more letters from home, now as I know your address. You may have so many letters that you will consider it a task to read them.

I went to the P. O. every day last week but was doomed to be disappointed until yesterday when Charlie brought in two letters. Mother as usual worried very much about you and finally came to the conclusion that you really did start for Washington or that you were sick, either conclusion was not very pleasant to reflect upon. You can imagine to what fate you will be assigned if we do not hear from you very often. So if you do not want to be sent to the Potomac or be put in the hospital write, write.

It is so rainy that I did not go to church today. We have not had so stormy a Sabbath I should think for two years. It looks like clearing off now, but as it is after one it is most too late for church today. I have just been writing to Ceal. Mother thinks that she had better come home next week. I received a letter from her last week or rather an essay. It was written with pencil but I think that I will send it to you if you can read it. You know that I have said so much to her about not spinning out her letters, so she to satisfy me has taken a sheet and a half of note paper and written upon, it is all upon one subject. She says nothing about herself. On the envelope she has written to Mr. Seymour that she is quite well. It seems that he had written upon some letter that I had sent to her asking her how she was. He calls it an outside correspondence.

Uncle John went to Milwaukee last week. I hope that he will make you a visit before he returns. He met Aunt Lydia and Cousin Libbie at La Crosse, the same Friday. Libbie's health is not good. She is going to spend the winter. She is a very pretty girl. I hope that we shall enjoy ourselves very much if I do not have to work too hard. They came across two young ladies upon the boat who were coming to visit Mrs. [T. S.] Seymour. They liked them very much; I shall try and call
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soon. I have not made any calls since I wrote to you. I intended to have called upon everybody to whom I was indebted before Libbie came but as usual did not get time.

I have not seen any of the girls to speak with them since you left but see them pass every day to and from school. Whenever I meet anyone the first inquiry is have you heard from Jimmie so you see that you are thought of out of the family.

We were disappointed that you were accepted. Why did they do it! If Ira is accepted this time can he go in the same company with you? Do you have to stand on guard? Who do you room with?

Mrs. [S. S.] Young told Mary that she hoped that Theo would room with you. You must keep watch over the boys, they are surrounded by so much that is evil in the camp that they may easily be led astray. Try and get them to go to church with you.

Mary is out to Mr. Halls, she went Friday with both children. Nellie says that she would write to you if you would write to her. Charlie said you promised not to forget him. I don't think that he will forget you very soon.

We spent the day yesterday at Aunt Lydia's, that is Mother and I did. Aunt Lydia says that she wishes that you would write to her. She would be very happy to hear from you. Libbie has a photograph of Lincoln Farr. He is a very fine looking gentleman. I did not know him.

Mrs. [H. S.] Clapp was saying the other day that there was some talk about your company being sent back on account of Indian difficulties. I hope that is so although I do not feel any fears of an Indian outbreak but you would be nearer home yet I shall feel quite reconciled if you do not have to go any farther than Madison. You find Madison a very pretty place do you not? Uncle John has just got a fine engraving of the city.

Who are your correspondents? I suppose you will have a good many. There was a letter on a bank advertisement came to you from Albert. I suppose it was not sealed. I will send it. You will see by it that Andrews is president of the bank. As mother and Charlie are both writing and I want to send Alla's letter I will have to send two envelopes. Write soon a good long letter as you always do.

Your much attached Sister

Sarah

How do you like Mr. Brown for Captain? Has your company chosen the rest of the officers?

Mary has not seen your letter yet as she is not at home. I presume she will write soon as she gets it. Charlie was very much pleased to get your letter; do not forget to direct one occasionally to him. It was hard work for him to write. I don't think he would if he had not been so glad to hear from you. You must remember it is one of his first efforts. He said he did not know what to write about. Perhaps if you should ask him some questions about the boys he would find it easier to write, until he gets used to it.

Who is that Kerr that you spoke of? I do not remember that I ever
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heard of him.

I think when you get all these letters you will be kept busy for some time. Do I hear you groan and say O dear, what a long letter Sarah has written! I wish that she would adopt Ceal's style. I will if you would like to have me.

Remember me to the boys. Keep good friends with all of them. Watch over them if they are sick and they will, I hope, over you if you should be. Good bye.